Day 1: Arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport and transfer to Moshi Town.
Upon your arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport, you’ll proceed through immigration to arrange your visa. Afterward, head to the baggage claim area to collect your luggage. Once you clear customs, exit the terminal, where our friendly guide will be eagerly waiting to welcome you and kick off your adventure.
You will be comfortably transferred to your hotel in the charming town of Moshi, located at the base of Mount Kilimanjaro. Here, you can check in, relax, and prepare for the exciting expedition that lies ahead.
Day 2: Travel from Moshi to Machame Gate, then hike to Machame Camp.
After a leisurely breakfast at your hotel, embark on an exhilarating drive to the Machame Gate, arriving around 10:00 AM. Once there, you’ll complete the registration formalities and meet your mountain team, including guides and porters. The adventure begins as you ascend through lush rainforests rich in diverse flora and fauna, gaining approximately 1,332 meters in altitude over a distance of just under 11 km (7 miles). The trek will take about 5 to 6 hours, starting on a wide track that winds through dense forests adorned with tall trees draped in green moss. As you progress, the terrain becomes steeper, revealing vibrant flowers like impatiens kilimanjari and impatiens pseudoviola, along with stunning views of Kibo Peak to the east.
Upon reaching Machame Camp, anticipated around 5:00 PM, you’ll have a couple of hours to rest before dinner. The camp area is also a haven for birdwatching, with species such as olive thrush and stonechat frequently spotted. This day’s journey is rated as moderate to strenuous, setting the stage for the incredible adventure that lies ahead.
Day 3: Trek from Machame Camp to Shira Camp.
Set out on a challenging yet rewarding trek through Afro-montane Forest, gradually transitioning into vast heather moorlands as you ascend to an altitude of over 3,804 meters. Today’s stage is short and steep, but the effort is well worth it, allowing you to traverse striking ridges and valleys that offer breathtaking panoramic views. An early start around 8:30 AM enables you to reach Shira Camp by 2:00 PM, where you can enjoy a well-deserved lunch amidst stunning vistas of Kibo and the surrounding landscape.
As you make your way to the camp, you’ll encounter unique flora like moorland lobelias and the distinctive dark obsidian rock of the Shira Plateau. Upon arrival, take time to marvel at natural wonders such as the ‘Shira Cathedral,’ Klute Peak, and Mount Meru. Your day concludes with dinner around 6:00 PM, after a day filled with awe-inspiring sights and experiences. This segment of the trek is rated as moderate to strenuous, perfectly setting the stage for the adventures ahead.
Day 4: Journey from Shira Camp to Barranco Camp.
Today’s trek takes you to the Lava Tower, perched at an impressive altitude of 4,630 meters, where you’ll be rewarded with breathtaking panoramic views. Starting at 3,804 meters, you’ll cover nearly 10 km (6 miles) over a strenuous journey, gaining a modest 146 meters in altitude by the time you reach Barranco Camp around 4:00 PM. Although the day includes a descent after reaching the Lava Tower, this ascent and subsequent descent play a crucial role in acclimatizing to the altitude. Overall, expect to be walking for 6 to 8 hours, excluding breaks.
Your day begins with breakfast at 7:00 AM, followed by departure at 8:30 AM as you trek across the stony landscape of Shira Plateau, where vegetation is sparse. A picnic lunch is scheduled at 1:00 PM near the Lava Tower before you descend to Barranco Camp. Once at camp, take time to admire the stunning views of the southern face of Kibo and the Heim Glacier. Dinner will be served at 7:00 PM, capping off a day filled with spectacular sights and challenges.
Day 5: Hike from Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp.
Today, you’ll set out on a journey filled with scenic wonders as you trek through a variety of landscapes, including picturesque valleys, lush vegetation, and rocky terrain. Your destination for the day is Karanga Camp, situated at an altitude of 3,995 meters. This moderate trek allows you to immerse yourself in the beauty of the surroundings, making it a perfect opportunity to connect with nature.
Upon reaching Karanga Camp, take the time to rest and appreciate the stunning vistas that envelop you. This tranquil setting provides the ideal backdrop for reflection and relaxation as you prepare for the next leg of your adventure. Enjoy the companionship of your fellow trekkers and savor the experience before settling in for the night.
Day 6: Continue from Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp.
Today, you will ascend from Karanga Camp through the stunning alpine desert landscapes, where you’ll be rewarded with mesmerizing views of the vast summit ahead. As you continue your trek to Barafu Camp, located at an elevation of 4,673 meters, the anticipation of the summit push builds with every step.
Upon arrival at Barafu Camp, take the time to rest and prepare for the challenges that lie ahead. This is an essential moment to gather your strength and finalize your preparations for the imminent ascent. Breathe in the crisp mountain air and soak in the breathtaking surroundings as you mentally gear up for the summit. Enjoy a well-deserved meal and share stories with fellow trekkers, fortifying your resolve for the adventure that awaits.
Day 7: Ascend from Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak, then descend to Mweka Camp.
Prepare for the ultimate challenge: your summit attempt! You’ll begin your ascent well before midnight, guided by experienced mountaineers who will lead you through demanding scree slopes toward Stella Point. As you climb, the anticipation builds, and you’ll have the opportunity to witness the awe-inspiring sunrise painting the sky in vibrant hues—a truly magical moment that sets the stage for your journey to the top.
Continuing your ascent, you’ll reach the iconic Uhuru Peak, the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro, standing majestically at 5,895 meters. This is a moment to celebrate your incredible achievement, capturing the joy and triumph of reaching the summit. After taking in the breathtaking views and savoring the sense of accomplishment, you’ll begin your descent to Mweka Camp for a well-deserved rest. Relish in the memories of this unforgettable day as you reflect on the challenges overcome and the stunning landscapes you’ve experienced.
Day 8: Trek from Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate and proceed to Arusha.
You will descend to the Mweka Gate, where your journey will come to a close. Upon arrival, you’ll complete the necessary check-out procedures and take a moment to celebrate your remarkable achievement alongside fellow trekkers. This time is perfect for reflection and camaraderie, allowing you to share the stories and experiences of your adventure together.
After the celebration, you’ll be transferred to Arusha, where you can relax and reminisce about the incredible journey you’ve just completed. As a fitting end to your trek, you will receive a certificate— a cherished keepsake that honors your significant accomplishment of summiting Mount Kilimanjaro.
This experience not only signifies the conclusion of your trek but also marks the beginning of treasured memories and stories that you will carry with you for years to come.
Day 9: Departure from Kilimanjaro International Airport.
As your adventure comes to a close, you’ll prepare for your departure from Tanzania. Begin your morning with a relaxed breakfast, giving yourself the opportunity to reflect on your remarkable journey. Depending on your flight schedule, you might have the chance to visit the Tanzanite Museum, followed by a stop at Arusha Cultural Heritage to pick up some distinctive souvenirs.
Enjoy a complimentary and delicious BBQ lunch at Tembo Club in Arusha before your transfer to Kilimanjaro International Airport.
As you say goodbye to this beautiful country, cherish the unforgettable memories of your adventure and the friendships you’ve built along the way.
